Smallville (TV Series) Crimson (2007) User Reviews

Great, GREAT episode!

[Roger_Sterling · 10/10 · 1 February 2007]

Oh boy oh boy, THIS was the episode I was waiting for. Justice was great, but this one is right up there with it in terms of best episode for the season. Tom Welling was absolutely fantastic during the dinner party scene. Michael Rosenbaum delivered yet again, especially during the final scene with Clark.

Crimson is easily easily the best red kryptonite episode next to "Red", in my opinion. The scene in which Clark and Lois fly over Metropolis is certainly a classic scene in Smallville's history. That being said, there were actions in this episode that will have repercussions for the rest of the show. Chloe and Jimmy have gone splitsville (pun intended), Martha will possibly reconsider her relationship with Lionel, and by far the most crucial, Lana now knows that Clark is not like everyone else.... and this time, Jor-El didn't turn back time.

One of the best episodes this season. 10/10.

Wow this was one to catch.

[snowman_ejc · 9/10 · 2 February 2007]

I love this episode.

Great writing in this one. It was great how they could build up Lois & Clark's romance and dismiss it in 45 minutes.

I always thought that Erica Durance was hot, but Holy Smokes. Cudos to the wardrobe department.

Every time the Red Kryptonite comes into play everything gets messed up, but with that twist ending I think everything will work out.

But what I want to know is: What is up with Lana's pregnancy? What makes it so different? What is Lex up to? Never saw that one coming Lex, I thought he was going to be a good guy for a bit. Now I can't wait for more to happen.

I don't feel sorry for Chloe and Jimmy Olsen breaking up. We all know that Jimmy Olsen has a big part in the Superman Universe.

Savage Honesty

[hellraiser7 · 10/10 · 12 January 2021]

Warning do not read unless seen episode.

This is one of my favorite episodes of the show. At this point I can't help but ask what the Hell is going on; Clark is just being crapped on that's what's happening crapped on! In a way you can say after all the crap Clark has been though it's all built up to this, a powder keg waiting to explode, and red kryptonite is the match.

There have been many episodes where Red Kryptonite is involved which to me were always fun as we see the Man of Steel having and expressing his darkside. This one is my favorite one because of how different it is, where for once Red Kryptonite does good for once (well sort of). And on a side note, this episode is one of my favorite Valentines Day episodes, which is strange to say as it's not the most conventional which is why I love it.

I really like how at first, it's sort of a lighthearted romp and kind of a sweet romance at the same time. Just seeing both Lois and Clark just getting into some crazy shenanigans together; it truly was sweet relief from all the crap both characters have been though and most importantly it just felt so right. Really like the first scene with Lois under the influence of the red kryptonite we see her interacting with Clark who is still normal at the time. It's was nuts but really sweet and seductive at the same time.

From what Lois says to him as well as making a mixed CD of Whitesnake songs. It just cracked me up what Clark does in the predicament and shows another advantage to his super speed powers. One of the highlights was seeing both Clark and Lois on the roof and then Clark takes Lois for a flight (ok he jumped but close enough). That scene was just sweet as it was an homage to the flying scene in "Superman the Movie".

But of course, thing turn dark as we come to another highlight the party crashing scene which was cool slightly similar to the scene in the restaurant in the film "Scarface". The thing about that scene is that Tony was giving a speech expressing his honesty and it' s the same with Clark, despite under the influence of Red Kryptonite his feelings of anger toward the engagement ordeal are the truth.

As hurtful as the truth maybe, lies hurt even more which is exactly what it's done to Clark and he's not going to take that crap anymore. Really like how Tom delivered that one line in his speech "I'M NOT DONE YET!" I though wow, it was one line, but that line made you feel all the culminating fury and rage that has been inside Clark finally come out. Despite how dark that scene was, it felt good because what Clark said not just reflected his own feelings but also my own and the rest of the audience, he wasn't going to stand for the sick farce and nor are we.

Really like the final interaction between both Clark and Lana, what's interesting is it's Clark that is being the most honest where Lana is still being dishonest. As she accuses Clark of ripping away her happiness, but Clark didn't rip the flowers out of her garden she did. It's really sad just seeing Lana has came to this state in her life which I've always feared would happen, I always felt her Achilles heel was that she wasn't just not completely honest with herself but cheating herself always trying shortcut her way to love and happiness which is why she always ends up with the wrong guys, instead of taking a chance with someone she does have deep feelings for and build a deeper connection. Yes, it's true it's scary but love can be a scary thing which is what makes it all the more real and beautiful.

We even see from Lana's expressions that deep in her heart she knows what Clark is saying is true and there is a moment when Clark kisses her and there was no resistance she is actually kissing back. Lana in another part of the conversation then says, "You decide to do it now!" I thought why not now, in fact it's the perfect time for Clark to get it all out in the open, but also this is the kind of truth that could save her life.

Despite everything that happened in the episode, something good came out of it. From a final scene with both Lois and Clark as Clark shows her the mixed CD she made, really like the look on both their faces. The time Lois and Clark spent together wasn't for naught, as both have given each other an idea that they can love again and there really is someone for them if not each other (even though it is).

But another great thing was the final scene when we see Lana gets the chisel that was bent in the fight. You know that she finally knows about Clark and that she must now face the truth about her feelings.

Rating: 4 stars

Smallville Music

[hadbg · 9/10 · 17 February 2007]

I agree with you all on your thoughts on this episode. I thought personally that it was the best of the season so far. The normally passive pushover turns in to the indestructible, unstoppable Kal-El we all know he is destined to become. I did not like the return to the Lana obsession. I think that the writers should give Clark some credibility and allow him to move on. Open his eyes to the other women around him.

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME FIND IT

I am currently obsessed with the song that was playing in the opening scene on the Talon at the Valentine's Day party. It begins just as the episode starts and continues up to the time Lois meets the woman with the Red K lipstick.

Crimson

[Colcatron · 10/10 · 11 April 2011]

This is my favorite of all of the Red Kryptonite episodes. Smallvile established the rule that Red K takes away Clark's inhibitions, which several episodes have gone too far with. "Crimson" sticks closer to the rule that Clark would act on and say things that would already be on his mind, even if out character. Season 3 I think went too over the top, with Clark stealing and breaking laws, which I always felt was too much of a stretch for a future Superman. I'd rather see Clark acting like a jerk than as a flat out villain, which several Red K episodes did to him in the past. This time the worst that Clark does on Red K is insult and call out all of the other characters, Lex, Lana, Martha and Chloe, on things that as an audience member you've already questioned. Even though Clark is going out of his way to be as confrontational and hurtful as possible, he doesn't say anything that's untrue. Again, unlike how season 3 handled Red K episodes, "Crimson" doesn't get too dark, but instead keeps the story flowing in a fun, entertaining and sometimes humorous way.

While most Smallville seasons start off very strong and slow down considerably in the 2nd half, season 6 does the opposite. The first 9 episodes were mostly throw-aways, and Crimson marks the 4th straight classic episode in my opinion. Up until this point I had felt that the Lex/Lana/Clark love triangle was most interesting than most have felt, although I can admit that too little was happening. By the end of Crimson the story progression is really sped up, and actually left me quite interested in seeing how it continued.

Unfiltered emotions

[march306 · 9/10 · 5 June 2020]

First: I'd give it a 10, if Lois had no amnesia at the end, but still remembered at least a part of the happenings, but as with the Simpsons, the mental rollback + the others never mentioning it again, was necessary to keep the show/teambuilding going on for 4 seasons.

So, what I like about this one and makes it one of my top 5 episodes, is the idea of unmasking characters and showing, to what extent people filter, mask and deny their deep emotions and temper, just to keep some image or sense of self alive. This applies to both Lois and Clark, and it makes the otherwise over-the-top tough Lois sympathetic and the always self-controlled Clark more human, not to say: adult, though, the writers could have let "his beast" out, for some more steps.

Anyhow: The dinner scene is maybe the most true and direct in the show ever.

In another show, alcohol might be used to get to a similar result, but with side effects.

Error at the end of Crimson

[Herron-2 · 14 March 2007]

I agree that Crimson was a great episode and the acting was great as well. I want to point out what I consider to be an error at the very end of the episode, so, if you haven't seen it yet, quit reading now!

At the end of the episode, Lana picks up and stares at a screwdriver with which Lex had attempted to stab Clark. The screwdriver is all bent in near its point. The implication is that Lana realizes the screwdriver was bent on Clark's body.

If you think about it, bending the screwdriver like that would be impossible for LEX unless Lex were also super. Imagine that Lex had used the screwdriver against a steel beam instead of against Clark's body. There's no way Lex would be strong enough to damage the screwdriver like that, just holding it in his fist. (Undoubtedly, the folks in the props department had to use some heavy duty tools to damage the screwdriver for the show).

There's only one way out for the writers that I can think of. They'll have to prove that the screwdriver was already bent like that BEFORE Lex picks it up to use as a weapon. Then they can argue that Clark didn't get hurt BECAUSE the screwdriver was blunt at the end. (Kind of a hard one unless the screwdriver hit something in Clark's pocket).

Anyway, I had fun writing this, and would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers!

Lois & Red-K Clark Crash The Party!

[spasek · 10/10 · 6 November 2023]

Of all the Red-K Clark episodes, this one is my favorite, with "Unsafe" being a very close second.

On Valentine's Day Lois gets some Red-K laced lipstick that puts her in more than just a frisky mood, and as soon as she finally kisses Clark, it's game on!

Frankly, aside from "Hydro" when Lois marvels at having kissed the mysterious "Green Arrow," we finally wander into the first of Lois & Clark moments. Tom Welling and Erica Durance played it all up perfectly. And while Tom and Kristin have had on-screen chemistry, there's no denying the Tom and Erica chemistry that is, in my opinion, even better!

However, the beauty of the episode is when Clark and Lois crash Lex and Lana's engagement party at the Luthor mansion. Clark going up and down the table, unleashing his anger and frustrations on everyone from Martha to Chloe, and then to Lana herself, was a thing of beauty. As often as Clark doesn't say what's on his mind, Red-K Clark has no such problems, and it's always refreshing, and it also gives Welling a chance to really show his amazing spectrum of acting.

And finally, the wheel is set in motion when Lex stabs Clark with a tool in the Kent barn just as Martha Kent shows up with green kryptonite as Lana stares in shock a the very damaged and bent tool on the ground. We also get a hint of what's really going on with Lana's pregnancy.

This episode begins to lay the groundwork for Lois and Clark as well as giving us the reveal about Lana and Clark's secret. In short, this episode has just about everything in it. I'm not sure anyone can really get tired of Red-K Clark!

Opening the Heart, Damaging Relationships

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 8 May 2008]

On the Valentine's Day, Clark and Lois are alone with broken hearts and meet each other in a party in The Talon. A woman in a stand offers a red-colored lipstick made of red kryptonite to Lois telling her that she would fall in love for the first guy she put her eyes on. When Lois sees Clark, she has a crush on him and full of desire, she kisses him. Clark is affected by the red kryptonite transferred through her lips and crashes Lex and Lana's engagement dinner party with Lois; he tells his true feelings to Lois, Martha, Chloe and Lana, and kidnaps Lana, opening his heart and damaging relationships.

The episode "Crimson" seems to be a plot point in the whole "Smallville" series. The "bad Clark" affected by the red kryptonite spoils his relationship with his mother and girl friends, inclusive the romance of Chloe and Jimmy. How his reckless speech will affect Martha, Chloe, Lana and Lois in future? The mystery about Lana's baby is intriguing with the last line of Lex to her doctor, but this episode has a huge flaw. How could a wrench or spanner be bent by a regular man without superpower hitting Clark? My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Carmim" ("Crimson")

Clark's true feelings

[Rcwilkinson123 · 7/10 · 10 October 2007]

This episode has appeal in two vastly different directions: one is sexual and annoying, and the other is plain cool.

These differences involve Lois getting infatuated with Clark due to putting on some weird red lipstick that makes her fall in love with the first person she sees. This person is Clark. This part of the show seemed a bit strange, but the next part is awesome.

Since Lois is on the strange lipstick, she gets Clark to get red kryptonite to alternate his character. As a result, he shares his true feelings about his mother's recent relationship and closeness to the Luthors, the fact that Chloe is at the wedding banquet, and most importantly, his feelings about Lex, Lana, and their upcoming marriage. This leads to a fantastic conclusion where he kidnaps Lana and has a very interesting showdown with Lex.

One of the best aspects of the entire series is when Clark shares his true, unabridged opinions on things centralizing in his life. This can only be done through the presence of red kryptonite. I wasn't a fan of the Lois-infatuation angle of this episode, but the climax that it produced was great.

Ruins the love arc

[beccles · 3/10 · 25 August 2021]

This episode throws a bent chisel into the love arc of Lois and Clark. Rather than cultivating an honest and true attraction between the pair, the writers have annoyingly deployed a love potion trope, deflating the love arc. This trope was just not needed to kickstart anything between L and C. That it also showed Clark wasn't ready to be with Lois due to his infatuation with Lana, well, that could have been done without interfering with Lois's libido.

It was interesting to see Clark's withheld opinions bursting to the surface. That it was accompanied by violence, including (frankly) an assault on Lana, is disappointing. It would have been interesting to see how Clark had developed since his previous red K encounter, no violence just the psychology would have sufficed.

Jimmy's accusation to Chloe outlines what should have been a huge crimson flag for the characters and the audience. That Clark's behaviour is tolerated because he was under the influence is yet another trope used far too often in this series. A prolonged Martha debrief was really needed here to get to the heart of Clark's problems. 15 years on and this episode has not aged well.

Lois and Clark's fans will love that episode.

[m-47826 · 7/10 · 22 July 2023]

I'm not one of them yet, but I still did. Smallville's back to early seasons goodness, with fantasy, comedy and drama. Labyrinth was the show's take on a story that's been done to death. With callbacks to mostly this season's arc, as if nothing happened before. But there were still interesting ideas, and a good closing scene. Crimson is one of the best episodes of season 6. It's full of humor and juicy drama. And marks the return of red kryptonite, showing once again how perfect Tom Welling was to play each sides of the show's Clark Kent. I love him there, he's confident and sexy, and his chemistry with both Lois and Lana is through the roof. And differs in very subtle details. The part where he crashes Lex and Lana's engagement party, is very enjoyable and breathed honesty between people who seem to be walking on eggshells lately. Lex's insecurity is showing, and my rating dropped because of the last minute twist, implying Lana's baby is one of his experiments. How ridiculous is that? Maybe it was a way to foreshadow Kristin Kreuk's impending departure, as one of the series leads. But it still felt too random and there to create unnecessary drama. The way each characters coped after the fact, was fair and I particularly liked Martha's perspicacity and the advice she gave her son. And now that there are few obstacles left, it's clear the story will go deeper into Clark and Lois's blooming love story.